A mother has expressed difficulty with engaging in pretend play with her toddler, and it appears she is not the only parent who struggles with this aspect of parenting. Some parents have found ways to make pretend play work for them, using it as a means to connect with their children, while others have opted out of participating in play altogether, sparking a debate about the expectations surrounding parental involvement in play. The issue has raised questions about the role of parents in their children's play and whether there is a balance to be found.